"Mr Wilmot, the former CEO of Centaur, confirms that he is considering an offer for Centaur and to that end has had preliminary discussions with certain prospective finance providers."

Under stock market rules Wilmot had until today (22 October) to either make an offer for Centaur or withdraw.

A fresh stock market statement said today: "On 24 September 2013 Mr Wilmot announced that he was considering an offer for Centaur and to that end had held preliminary discussions with certain prospective finance providers.

"Since then, Mr. Wilmot has engaged with an extended number of finance providers and these discussions have progressed significantly. However, it has become apparent that the board of Centaur's views on the value of the company materially diverge from those of Mr Wilmot and his potential financing partners.

"Accordingly Mr. Wilmot confirms that he currently does not intend to make an offer for Centaur."

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